Colitis Treatment Information

In previous articles I discussed the use of aloe vera as a means of boosting patients' immune systems to treat various serious illnesses, and in one article I told of my success in treating my pancreatitis by boosting my immune system by drinking aloe vera juice. I also discussed how the medical authorities in the UK are boosting patients' immune systems to treat pancreatitic cancer and plan to use the same treatment on other cancers.

Before a drug company can launch a drug onto the market and make claims about its effect, the drug has to undergo lengthy and expensive testing. If it passes these tests, various national medical authorities around the world then allow the drug to be sold and prescribed by doctors. Natural treatments produced by smaller companies can sell their products but they are not allowed to claim the treatment will actually cure the ailment. That is, of course, a big handicap; especially if the treatment is natural a treatment that relies on a product produced by nature cannot be patented, and no company is going to spend huge sums to run clinical trials for a product that a competitor can easily reproduce and sell without having to pay for a similar trial.

The ideal answer to this is to persuade a group of doctors to undergo a clinical trial but, let's face it, doctors are busy people and have other things to do. So it was with great excitement that the world's largest producer of aloe vera heard the news that a group of hospitals were to carry out a trial on the effects of treating psoriasis with an aloe vera cream. Other doctors had experienced success at treating individual patients who suffered from psoriasis with an aloe vera based cream, but it takes a placebo-controlled double-blind trial with a group of patients before any clinical trial will be taken seriously. 'Placebo-controlled' means that half the patients are given the genuine treatment and the other half is given one that looks similar but has no medical benefit. 'Double-blind' means that neither the patients nor the doctors know which half of the group was given the genuine treatment until after the trial is over.

The trial found that 83.3% of the patients given the aloe vera treatment were cured of plaque psoriasis (the most common type). That's not everyone of course, but the number is sufficiently high to suggest that this natural treatment for psoriasis is worth trying. No side effects were reported in the trial.

Lymphocytic colitis is a type of bowel inflammation that affects the colon. In order to detect this disease, the doctor would need to perform a biopsy, which is a process where a piece of your tissue would be removed from the lining of your intestine.

Symptoms

You may experience chronic, watery, non-bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain or cramps if you have lymphocytic colitis. However, there are times when the symptoms for the disease do not show.

The medical community is still unsure about what causes lymphocytic colitis. It is assumed that certain bacteria, toxins or viruses trigger the inflammation and damage to the colon. It is also theorized that the disease is caused by autoimmune response, where the body's immune system destroys healthy cells for reasons yet to be discovered.

No one is actually safe from lymphocytic colitis. Both men and women are often diagnosed with this condition, although statistics show that there are more women affected by this disease compared to men. The majority of the people affected are between 60 to 80 years of age, but there have been reported cases where the victims are adults who are less than 45 years old. There have also been reports of lymphocytic colitis in children.

Treatment

The first step to treating lymphocytic colitis is to overhaul your lifestyle. Reduce the consumption of fat in the diet and eliminate the intake of caffeine, lactose and over-the-counter pain relievers.

If this still does not remedy the situation, medications can be taken to help control the symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications and steroids are used to reduce the inflammation, but steroids are only recommended to reduce the occurrence of diarrhea. Intake of steroids should be regulated to avoid detrimental side effects.

Immunosuppressive agents can also reduce inflammation, but this medication is rarely necessary. In extreme cases, the doctor may suggest removal of the colon. However, this is not really necessary as long as lymphocytic colitis is treated early and does not evolve to become colon cancer.

Anal fistula, also known as fistula-in-ano, is a condition wherein a tunnel-like track is developed in the perennial region with one or multiple external openings near the anus area which leads to internal opening in the mucosa of the rectum or the anal canal.

Allopathy, homeopathy and even Ayurveda have different treatment options for this condition. In Ayurveda, anal fistula is termed as 'Bhagandara' and is classified on the basis of the site and shape of the fistula track. The complex ischio-rectal fistula also known as the horse-shoe fistula has been referred to and dealt in detail in the classical Ayurveda text - Sushruta tracing back in 300 A.D. Ayurveda suggested the Ksharsutra treatment and with a little modification, it is still relevant even today, according to Ayurvedic medical services.

The rare condition of chronically inflamed abnormal tunnel results from an infection in the tissue lining of the anal canal. The track between the outer skin of anus and the anal canal sometimes drains watery pus which can irritate the outer tissues and can cause itching and discomfort. The infection is caused to due to bacterial spread in the rectum. It may also occur due to cancer of the large intestine, tuberclosis, healed sore in the rectal area, diverticulitis, gonorrhea, ulcerative colitis or crohn's disease.

The symptoms of anal fistula may include itching, discomfort and pain, recurrent abscess, blood or pus discharge or irritation of tissue around the anus or burning sensation in the perennial region. The symptoms subside when the abscess or boil bursts spontaneously causing discharge. These boils heal for a short period but recur after a while. There is no definite cause for it but sometimes the fissure in ano gets affected and infection travels down to form a track or fistula and sometimes there is a previous history of ano-rectal abscess.

Anal fistula can be treated but they do not heal spontaneously. Fiber tissues develop on the inner walls of the fistula and the payogenic membrane doe not allow spontaneous healing. The common method of treatment is the removal of the payogenic membrane and the fibrous tissue which can take many sittings and sometimes, a silk setone is passes through parts of the track. The other methods may be sealing with fibrin glue, applying a skin graft, coring out fistulous track, laser surgery or fistulectomy or excision of fistulous track and suturing the wounds.

One can also take help of online medical products for the treatment of anal fistula.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that can affect anyone. The symptoms typically show up before the age of 30. Ulcerative colitis treatment may include prescription medications, vitamin supplementation, herbal remedies, special diets and even massage and chiropractic therapy. Ulcerative colitis is difficult to live with and for this reason counseling may be included in a complete treatment plan.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea and blood in the stools. Symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. In severe cases of ulcerative colitis, when diarrhea is frequent, symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and weakness. It is important to seek ulcerative colitis treatment before symptoms become severe. If ulcerative colitis is not treated, surgery may be necessary.

The specific cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It seems to "run" in families and it is suspected that the immune system of people with ulcerative colitis may be reacting to normal intestinal bacteria, causing inflammation. Pain and bleeding occurs because of inflammation and ulceration of the intestine. Ulcers are basically sores that form on the intestinal walls and inflammation means swelling. Medical ulcerative colitis treatment typically involves prescription drugs to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the ulceration. This type of ulcerative colitis treatment may or may not prevent symptoms from recurring.

Ulcerative colitis has a tendency to be a chronic disease, meaning that symptoms often recur over time. Since the immune system is believed to play a role in the disease, drugs that suppress the immune system are sometimes prescribed for severe cases of ulcerative colitis. Treatment is designed to postpone the necessity for surgery.

A complete ulcerative colitis treatment plan may include vitamin supplementation, particularly D and B12. Iron supplements are sometimes recommended due to the loss of blood that may lead to anemia. It is known that a deficiency of Vitamin D in the diet often causes diarrhea and B12 is important to help the body effectively absorb iron and other necessary nutrients.

Also recommended for ulcerative colitis treatment is an extract from the aloe plant. The aloe plant is known to promote healing of wounds and is also an anti-inflammatory, meaning it reduces swelling. Other herbal remedies which promote healing and reduce swelling may also be helpful for ulcerative colitis treatment.

Dietary advice for ulcerative colitis treatment includes avoiding foods that may lead to cramping, such as milk and milk products if the patient is or may be lactose intolerant. At this time there is no specific diet that is recommended by all healthcare professionals for those who suffer from ulcerative colitis, but yogurt and yeast products are sometimes recommended. They contain small organisms called probiotics which may help the intestines maintain a natural balance between the helpful and harmful bacteria.

Chiropractic and massage therapies may be effective alternative or supplemental ulcerative colitis treatment. One may think that only pain in the back or neck can be helped by chiropractic therapy, but misalignment of the vertebra can affect other parts of the body, without causing pain in the back. Chiropractors have a tendency to take more of a holistic approach to treatment than medical doctors. The belief is that mind, body and spirit are all connected and that it is necessary to treat the "whole" self rather than a single "part".

Those who suffer from ulcerative colitis, seek alternative therapies for many reasons. Standard medications may cause unwanted side effects. Chronic disease often causes emotional strain. But, with all of the ulcerative colitis treatment that is available today, most people with mild to moderate symptoms lead normal daily lives.

There are many misconceptions about the inflammatory diseases - Crohn's Disease and Colitis. The medical profession will explain all aspects of the disease to their patients. Yet everyone needs to understand about these chronic conditions. If a person recognizes the signs of these diseases, they can seek medical help before untreated symptoms turn into serious complications.

Basic Facts

. Crohn's Disease and Colitis are chronic conditions.

Crohn's Disease and Colitis are not fatal conditions. The diseases are referred to as 'chronic' conditions because there is no medical cure but people can manage their symptoms.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis can live a normal life span.

Sufferers with these conditions live a similar life span to everyone else. Women live for 79 years and men live almost the same duration (78 years).

. There is a difference between Crohn's Disease and Colitis.

Generally, Ulcerative Colitis (UC) affects the colon (large intestine). Crohn's Disease can be present anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes UC can affect the small intestine.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis will have uncomfortable symptoms.

Since both conditions are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, sufferers can expect symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach pains as well as a host of other unpleasant symptoms. Yet people with these conditions can live a comfortable and stress-free lifestyle when they understand how to manage the diseases.

. The Western diet is not ideal for patients with these conditions.

The Western diet contains considerable amounts of fat and sugar and includes many processed foods. This diet is not ideal for anyone especially individuals who suffer from inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers, as well a many patients, claim that Crohn's Disease/Colitis water fasts and a regular raw food diet can make a difference to their symptoms.

Indeed, many sufferers say that the symptoms disappeared over a period of time. Of course, patients should expect that there will be some challenges if they change to a raw food diet. The body will need time to adjust to the new fuel. In fact, sometimes symptoms will be exacerbated at first by the fruit and raw vegetable diet. Yet many individuals claim that they noticed a gradual difference until the symptoms ceased to be a problem.

. Crohn's Disease and Colitis can lead to serious side effects.

The symptoms of these conditions can be managed - and even controlled - by patients. Yet if symptoms are left untreated over time, they can cause grave damage to one's health. Anemia, liver damage, serious infections, and other health issues can occur if sufferers do not attend to their condition.

. People with Crohn's Disease and Colitis can receive individualized treatment for their conditions.

Different people can have varied symptoms of Crohn's Disease and Colitis. As well, they can experience a wide range of side effects from malnutrition to problems with their immune system. Modern medicine will attempt to accommodate the individual needs of patients but these will generally only mask the real problems of diet and chemical ingestion. Look for a Doctor with an open mind as well as one that has been trained in nutrition, this will go a long way to receiving a balanced treatment plan.

Low dose naltrexone has recently garnered attention as a possible treatment for autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions, cancer and some other illnesses. Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, which means that it blocks opioid receptors in the brain and thus eliminates the feeling of pleasure caused by e.g. drinking alcohol, because our endogenous opioids (endorphins) cannot bind to the receptors. But when used in very small doses (less than 1/10 of the normal dose) naltrexone can be used to stimulate the release of endorphins.

History

Low dose naltrexone was pioneered by the neurologist Bernard Bihari in the early 1980s, when he was studying medications used for drug and alcohol withdrawal. He noticed that very small doses of naltrexone (initially 3 mg) taken at bedtime only blocked the opioid receptors transiently, which stimulated the body to produce more of its endogenous opioids and produced no significant side effects.

Bihari tried LDN as a treatment for HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis, two conditions that have been shown to be associated with low levels of beta endorphin, one of the most important endogenous opioids. In some of his AIDS patients the blood levels of beta endorphin as much as tripled when using low dose naltrexone.

Patients also experienced marked clinical improvement. The MS symptoms (especially fatigue) were relieved and the illness progression seemed to halt. Most patients never experienced a single MS attack after the initiation of low dose naltrexone. Patients infected with HIV had their viral counts drop radically and their CD4 counts subsequently went up. As a result the rates opportunistic infections and AIDS related malignancies decreased.

Later development

Encouraged by his success Bihari and other doctors began trying LDN for other conditions, such as other autoimmune illnesses and cancer, often with great results. The support from the patient community has been overwhelming. Patients with MS have collected money for clinical trials and there have even been three conferences on LDN and the fourth one is scheduled for October 2008.

A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that 89% of patients with Crohn's disease were improved on LDN and 67% achieved a full remission. There are clinical trials currently running for multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, autism, fibromyalgia, pancreatic cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (head and neck cancer). A large HIV/AIDS study is also running in Mali, West Africa.

Illnesses that can be treated with LDN

LDN has been successfully used to treat the following conditions:

Autoimmune diseases

• multiple sclerosis
  


• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE/LED)
  


• rheumatoid arthritis
  


• ankylosing spondylitis
  


• pemphigoid
  


• sarcoidosis
  


• scleroderma
  


• Crohn's disease
  


• ulcerative colitis
  


• celiac disease
  


• psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
  


• Wegener's granulomatosis
  


• transverse myelitis

Cancers

• bladder cancer
  


• breast cancer
  


• carcinoid tumor
  


• colorectal cancer
  


• glioblastoma
  


• liver cancer
  


• non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC)
  


• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  


• lymphoma (both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's)
  


• melanoma
  


• multiple myeloma
  


• neuroblastoma
  


• ovarian cancer
  


• pancreatic cancer
  


• prostate cancer
  


• renal cell carcinoma
  


• throat cancer
  


• uterine cancer

Other illnesses

• HIV/AIDS
  


• hepatitis C
  


• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
  


• autism
  


• Alzheimer's disease
  


• Parkinson's disease
  


• Behcet's disease
  


• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, emphysema)
  


• endometriosis
  


• fibromyalgia
  


• chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)
  


• irritated bowel syndrome (IBS)

LDN may possibly also work for e.g. myasthenia gravis, antiphospholipid syndrome/Hughes syndrome, narcolepsy (a possibly autoimmune condition), interstitial cystitis, chronic Lyme disease/post Lyme syndrome, acne, rosacea, chronic urticaria, dementia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), cluster headaches, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has been reported to be helpful in insomnia and migraine prevention.

Mode of action

Endorphins are often associated with the pleasant feeling we get from e.g. exercise, but they are more than just that. Beta endorphin and met enkephalin, another opioid peptide produced by the body have profound effects on the immune system. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that met enkephalin acts as an anti-cancer agent. Beta endorphin levels have shown to be low in HIV/AIDS, many autoimmune conditions and e.g. migraine.

Autoimmune illnesses have been traditionally seen as manifestations of an overactive immune system and are usually treated with immunosuppressants, but more and more data is emerging that suggests that autoimmune conditions may in fact be forms of immunedeficiency, explaining why LDN, an immunostimulant, works for them.

Clinical effects

In most autoimmune diseases the disease progression halts. Symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, muscle weakness and cognitive problems are often alleviated, as well. In degenerative conditions like ALS and Alzheimer's the illness progression is slowed down. The lipodystrophy caused by antiretroviral (HIV) drugs usually improves significantly.

Bihari reports that a halt in cancer growth occurs in about 50% of the cancer patients he treats. Some of these patients show objective signs of tumor shrinkage. Some patients who have been deemed terminal with little time left are still alive and doing well years later, such as one with pancreatic cancer (one of the deadliest cancers) whose case was published in Integrative Cancer Therapies.

According to Bihari LDN works best for the following cancers: multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's disease, breast cancer, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (including the pancreas) and non-small cell lung cancer. That isn't to say that cancer patients should ditch their existing treatments, but LDN can be combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Some patients only undergo surgery or are considered not to benefit from conventional treatment, so they would be good candidates for LDN.

How it is used

LDN is taken every night between 9 PM and 3 AM, as the body produces most of its endorphins during the early morning hours. There are usually no side effects. Some people experience problems with sleeping during the first week. Nausea, feeling "high", gas and bloating and hunger pangs may occur in the beginning and usually go away in a few days. In patients with MS spasticity may transiently worsen. It may take anywhere between a day and a few months to notice improvement.

LDN can safely be taken with all other medications, foods or supplements, but because it is an opiate antagonist it cannot be combined with any narcotic painkillers (opiates), including tramadol, and taking it with immunosuppressive drugs (like corticosteroids) may cause the drugs to "cancel out" each other's effects, as LDN is an immunostimulant. The only contraindication is a past organ transplant, because taking an immunostimulant might lead to graft rejection.

Any doctor can prescribe LDN as an "ex tempore" prescription, to be filled by a compounding pharmacy. Some people use foreign pharmacies, as it is legal in most countries to order medications from abroad with a valid prescription. LDN may be formulated as capsules or liquid, but the liquid has to be refrigerated and is less convenient when traveling. It is recommended that calcium carbonate is not used as a filler for tablets.

The recommended dose is 4.5 mg, but some people, especially those who are very slim and those with severe MS, only take 3 mg. Often prescriptions are written for 1.5 mg capsules so that the patient can try taking either two or three at once. LDN is also relatively inexpensive, usually costing between $15 and $40 a month.

In a meridian based approach to pattern identification and treatment emphasis is placed on understanding the relationships between the channels, and how the meridian networks connect to the patient's top three health concerns. The relationships between the channels are determined by the traditional Chinese names for the meridians, the internal-external relationships, and the horary cycle.

To begin to understand these connections between the channels we need to start with the six meridian pairs as classified in the six stages of syndrome differentiation. These are expounded upon in the Shang Han Lun (On Cold Damage) and include the six pairs of tai yang, yang ming, shao yang, tai yin, shao yang, and jue yin. Though the Shang Han Lun discusses these meridians in the context of external cold invasions, this method of pairing the meridians is also based on yin-yang relationships, anatomical location, and physiological functions. Taking the yang ming pair as an example we find that it contains one hand meridian and one foot meridian. Additionally, these meridians are located on the most anterior yang portions of the body, and they share functions in the digestive processes. Similarly, the shao yin pair includes one hand and one foot meridian, and these channels are located on the most posterior yin aspects of the body. In terms of functionality the shao yin governs the most vital fluids of the body, namely the blood and essence.

Another way the meridians may be paired is through what is called the Zang Fu Bei Tong Theory (5 Zang Extra Relationship Theory). This way of pairing meridians is a major component of Tung style acupuncture and is referred to as the system two associations in Dr. Tan's methods. This system takes the tai yang meridians and pairs them with the tai yin, while the shao yang is associated with the shao yin, and the yang ming meridians are paired with the jue yin. It is through this system that the LI and LV meridians form a connection, and this relationship is most commonly recognized in the point combination of LI 4 (He Gu) and LV 3 (Tai Chong).

In addition to the well-known internal-external associations, meridians may also be grouped according to the horary cycle. In this system each of the twelve regular meridians have a designated two hour period of time during a 24-hour day. Meridians that are located opposite the clock of one another may be paired, and examples of this include the relationships between the LV and SI, the ST and PC, and the KI and LI. Additionally, the channels may also be paired when they are located next to each other on the clock and have the same yin-yang designation. This forms relationships between the LV and LU, the SP and HT, and the KI and PC.

The systems that are a fundamental part of meridian systems theory have been described by several classical and traditional sources, including the Nei Jing (Inner Classic), the Shang Han Lun, Master Tung, and Dr. Richard Tan.

Four Meridian Circuits

By joining meridian pairs that share correspondence through these systems, circuits of connection can be formed from four meridians. These are called four meridian (4M) circuits. As an example the yang ming may be connected to the tai yin, and this relationship between the meridians may be represented as:

ST - LI

SP - LU

This image shows how the stomach and large intestine are connected through the yang ming, while the yang ming connects to the tai yin through the internal-external relationships. Taken as a whole we may describe the functions and indications of the yang ming - tai yin circuit.

Functions:

1. Governs Qi through Respiration and Digestion
2. Benefits the Stomach and Intestines
3. Regulates Bowel Functions

Indications: Weak digestion, bloating, chronic diarrhea, fatigue, PMS, asthma, cough, shortness of breath, bronchitis, colitis, constipation, sinusitis, abdominal pain, deficient stomach acid

Explanation:

The use of this circuit will depend on symptoms that primarily involve the yang ming and tai yin. This is an earth-metal circuit that has broad applications when respiratory and digestive symptoms occur together. This includes food allergies, Candida, asthma, immune deficiency, and external invasions that affect the lungs and digestive system.

This circuit may be used for treating patterns such as spleen qi deficiency, large intestine damp heat, lung qi deficiency, spleen dampness attacking the lungs, spleen and lung qi deficiency, and phlegm obstruction of the lungs.

The Yang Ming - Jue Yin Circuit

According to the Zang Fu Bei Tong Theory, the yang ming also connects to the jue yin meridians of the liver and pericardium. In patterns where the liver is affecting the stomach or large intestine, the use of the meridians in this circuit are usually sufficient to address the numerous symptoms and diseases that can arise from these types of patterns. Notice in this circuit that the LV and LI have a direct connection. The association between these meridians is widely acknowledged in the use of four gates (LI 4 and LV 3). It should also be noted that the ST and PC share a direct connection in this circuit, and this helps to explain the ability of Nei Guan PC 6 to resolve nausea and vomiting. The yang ming - jue yin circuit may be represented as:

ST - LI

PC - LV

Functions:

1. Regulates Digestive and Bowel Functions
2. Calms the Shen
3. Harmonizes Digestion through Regulating Qi and Blood Circulation

Indications: Stress induced digestive and abdominal conditions, constipation, IBS, loss of appetite, ulcers, colitis, irritability, anger, chest tightness, palpitations, heart disease, headaches, plum pit syndrome, and PMS

Explanation:

This circuit should be used whenever the primary symptoms exist within the yang ming and occur with liver, pericardium, or qi and blood stagnation patterns. Proper circulation of the qi and blood is essential to good digestive health, and when liver patterns present they can easily influence the stomach and large intestine. This can cause symptoms such as acid reflux, ulcers, stomach pain, constipation, and IBS. When the liver is involved in yang ming patterns it is common that the client will also suffer from excessive stress, frustration, and anger. For these reasons PC points are an important addition to the treatment since they have the functions of moving liver qi, calming the mind, and harmonizing the stomach and intestines.

This circuit is useful for treating various patterns including liver qi stagnation, liver qi invading the stomach, qi stagnation of the large intestine, liver heat, and stomach fire.

The Jue Yin - Shao Yang Circuit

The jue yin also connects to the shao yang through their internal-external relationships, and this circuit can be used to treat a variety of patterns including liver yang rising, liver fire, liver qi stagnation, and liver/gallbladder damp heat.
This circuit may be represented as:

LV - PC

GB - SJ

Functions:

1. Circulates Qi through the Shao Yang and Jue Yin
2. Calms the Shen
3. Controls Circulation of Qi and Blood
4. Resolves Wind

Indications: Temple headaches, neck pain, insomnia, seizures, strokes, anxiety, hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, hip pain, Parkinson's, shen disturbance, tightness in the ribs, constipation, chest tightness, costal pain, stress, PMS, irritability, abdominal pain, palpitations, groin pain.

Explanation:

This circuit is often used when the shao yang meridians are in a state of disharmony and manifest with symptoms in the head, neck, throat, shoulders and hips. Shao yang symptoms will usually occur with jue yin patterns due to the internal-external relationship they share. It is often the case that liver patterns will influence the GB meridian and present with symptoms such as temple headaches, neck tension, eye disorders, and insomnia.

This circuit is also very powerful for clearing internal heat and fire that is located in the shao yang and jue yin meridians. Liver fire will often manifest with GB meridian symptoms, and the SJ is effective for relieving symptoms associated with both the gallbladder and liver. When liver fire is present, needling the SJ helps to clear fire, while the PC meridian clears heat and resolves liver stagnation.

Refining Pattern Identification and Treatment Strategies

The use of the meridian circuits can greatly aid in fine-tuning the process of pattern identification and the corresponding treatments that result. For example, liver qi stagnation can cause a variety of symptoms, and not every patient will manifest all the symptoms that characterize the pattern of liver qi stagnation. Some clients with liver stagnation will experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and constipation. For patients like this the yang ming - jue yin circuit would be the optimum one to use, since it contains meridians that will address the root pattern, as well as treat the organs that have the symptomatic expressions. However, for a client that has liver qi stagnation but experiences symptoms such as temple headaches, neck pain, and shoulder tension, it is best to use the jue yin - shao yang circuit. This is because the shao yang meridians pass through these areas and can easily be affected by imbalances originating in the liver. For this reason the use of the jue yin - shao yang circuit is often a good choice for neck and shoulder conditions, especially when a liver pattern results in symptoms in the gallbladder and/or san jiao meridians.

Meridian Circuit Systems

The use of the 4M circuits constitutes a complete system of pattern identification that is based on the connections between the meridians. When we analyze all the possibilities of 4M circuits that may be formed we find that there are a total of fifteen. By asking the patient about their top three health concerns, and identifying what meridians and organs are expressing symptoms, it is possible to identify which one of the fifteen 4M circuits is most out of balance. By combining this method of pattern identification with more conventional forms like zang-fu and 5-elements, it is possible to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis and have a more complete picture of pathological imbalances that are present. This can greatly help to improve the clinician's selection of meridians and points to be treated, while increasing clinical efficiency with the use of fewer needles.

For more information about the book Meridian Circuit Systems: A Channel Based Approach to Pattern Identification, please visit: http://www.ihsociety.com

If you live in Boston and suffer from IBS or IBD, you are not alone. Digestive conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affect millions of Americans every year and in the case of IBS, is the second leading cause of missed school or work. Chinese medicine and acupuncture is very helpful in allowing patients with IBS or IBD to lead pain free and stress free lives. Despite their similar monikers, there are some very important differences between these conditions.

IBS is a purely functional gastrointestinal disorder. What this means is that based on Western medical theory, there is no known anatomical, biochemical or infectious cause. The syndrome categorization indicates that the diagnosis is based on a group of symptoms that typically occur together. The primary symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The discomfort is often triggered by eating and relieved once the individual has had a bowel movement. One of the best places to find out more information about IBS is on the website of the Internal Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

IBD includes Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the mucus membranes of the digestive tract. In the case of Crohn's Disease, the inflammation develops across the entire tissue of the tract and while it typically affects the distal ileum of the small intestine and the colon, can occur at any point along the digestive tract. Ulcerative Colitis involves inflammation of only the outer layer of mucous membrane in the colon. The symptoms of IBD tend to be more serious and if untreated, can lead to hospitalization. They typically include an increased urgency to defecate, blood or mucus present in stools, constant diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Due to the loss of blood, particular attention must be paid to the patient to ensure their wellbeing. Diagnosis is made based on visual confirmation of ulceration during a colonoscopy or through x-ray. An excellent source for information about IBD, Crohn's and Colitis is at the website for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

Western treatment of these gastrointestinal conditions ranges from dietary or lifestyle changes to permanent medication to surgery in the case of severe IBD. Stress is often a major player in the flaring of symptoms although there is no known cause of either IBS or IBD at this point. From a Chinese medicine standpoint, these gastrointestinal diseases fall primarily under the realm of a spleen dysfunction. The spleen is the organ in Chinese medicine theory that is responsible for the transforming and transporting of the food we eat; a fancy way of saying that it is the major player in digestion and assimilation of food's nutrients into the body. When the spleen is dysfunctional in any way, this leads to gastrointestinal difficulties such as the symptoms of IBS or IBD. The fact that stress plays a large role in the severity of the symptoms also indicates that the function of the liver is either impaired or overwhelming the digestive capabilities of the spleen. The liver is responsible for the smooth movement of the Qi, or energy, in the body and when the movement is erratic or blocked, it can have effects throughout our systems.

Chinese medicine and acupuncture seeks to tonify and strengthen the spleen through nourishing acupoints and herbal remedies while relaxing the liver to promote the smooth flow of Qi through the body. In addition, other symptoms are addressed through treatment aimed at stopping any bleeding the gut, reducing inflammation, eliminating gas and bloating and restoring regular bowel movements.

Chinese medicine and acupuncture can give you an extra tool to use to relieve the symptoms of IBS or IBD but there are some simple things that you can do to improve your quality of life and management of your condition.

1) Decrease your stress levels. Since stress seems to have a large impact of the gastrointestinal health, the best thing you can do is remove yourself from stressful situations if at all possible. By using breathing or meditation techniques, you can decrease the harmful effects of stress and affect the symptoms of digestive diseases. There have even been references to hypnosis and mantra usage to relieve stress levels in people that suffer from IBS or IBD.

2) Exercise. This one could be piggybacked on the previous tip because exercising helps decrease stress levels in the body. Yoga is particularly helpful because many of the poses and motions involve twisting movements that actually massage the intestines and promote increased blood flow to the gut.

3) Dietary changes. This is often one of the hardest to make and stick to but there is very little doubt that diet does have an effect on gastrointestinal diseases. The main problem is that there is no diet that works for everyone. Track what you eat and your symptoms in a food log and you should be able to gradually form a picture of what your food triggers might be. Some basic recommendations include removing refined sugars, alcohol, and difficult to digest foods like nuts or seeds from your diet. The sugar and alcohol can cause inflammation in the system while the difficult to digest foods can tax an already fragile system.

4) Herbal remedies. A good acupuncture friend of mine says, "chamomile, chamomile, chamomile" whenever we talk about digestive disorders. Chamomile is thought to ease the nerves, reduce inflammation and relieve abdominal cramping. Another herb, turmeric, is also often used to decrease the damage caused by inflammation. A high quality probiotic can be helpful in decreasing the abdominal discomfort from bloating and gas.

5) Talk about it. Find a support group to join and discuss your condition with others who are going through the same thing. This can be invaluable in a world where bowel movements and the effects they have on one's life and perception of themselves are rarely discussed. In addition, having a supportive group of people sharing what therapies work for them, trusted doctors they like and hints or tips about living with these conditions can create an excellent environment for real physical and emotional healing to take place. You can find support groups in your area by looking at the website of the aforementioned foundations for IBS and IBD.

Digestive diseases like IBS and IBD can take a toll on your emotional state as well as your physical condition. While there hasn't been a specific cause or cure identified yet for them, there are numerous options out there for care. Chinese medicine and acupuncture are merely two of them but their emphasis on natural wellness and whole body balance might be just what you need to help you deal with your gastrointestinal illness.

If you would like further information about acupuncture or Chinese medicine and its treatment of Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, I have some research articles available to share. Please contact me for them.

I have been a holistic gastroenterologist for over 3 decades, and my line of work involves providing people with IBS support. This has brought me into contact with many clients who ask a lot of questions out of curiosity about their condition. There were some queries that kept recurring.

So, I decided to come up with a collection of questions that are frequently asked as far as my IBS support practice is concerned.

Q: Can IBS be classified as an Auto-Immune Disease?

A: Inflammatory Bowel Disease can certainly not be classified as an auto-immune disease because it is definitely not a disease at all. When one looks at it critically, you will note that the immune system does not attack the colon in IBS, Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis, or Crohn's disease. On the contrary, your immune system does its job by trying to help you.

A good example is if I cut my finger. The immune system will take charge of the situation and it works by a means referred to as "compliment." This is an old-school term that explains how the immune system goes about doing its work. The immune system usually becomes active locally and it acts by preventing the finger from getting infected. As much as it is active in this process, I cannot blame my immunity system for my cut finger. The same concept can be applied to the colon. In as much as the immune system becomes active, it cannot be held responsible for damaging the colon lining. On the contrary, it tries to act to prevent infection while at the same time trying to facilitate the healing process. Yet we still prescribe some drugs to help suppress the immune system.

Q: Can IBS be caused by NSAIDS?

A: One can easily get NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs over the counter. There are some, like aspirin and ibuprofen, which do not need a prescription. These are not known to cause IBS directly. They may cause stomach upsets due to their acidity but they are not responsible for conditions like IBD. However, they may worsen an already existing situation, especially before antibiotics have been used. Because of this, the NSAID may be able to penetrate the porous mucosal lining and end up irritating the wall of the GI tract.

Q: Is IBD hereditary?

A: This is not exactly the case. There may be some genetic tendencies for some body systems to develop a weakness towards a particular disease. As far as the gastro-intestinal problems are concerned, people do not get IBD without there being other underlying factors. What does "run in the family" are people who frequently use antibiotics. This environmental factor may affect the genetic tendencies and increase the chances of getting Crohn's disease or IBS.

Q. Some of my doctors are recommending the use of colonics as a means of increasing my fiber. Is that an idea worth taking up?

A: This is not recommended because it will only worsen the situation. Considering the colon lining is already inflamed, it is not a good idea to worsen this by dragging roughage over it. It is, however, a good idea to eat a diet that is low in fiber.

Q: Why is it hard for some Naturopaths to fix leaky gut syndrome?

A: Naturopaths are paths are good at treating most general problems. Problems that affect the colon are very complex and thus require Naturopaths who specialize in them. Unfortunately, most of them shy away from this condition. I have been dealing with this for 30 plus years to the point of developing my own Gastro-enterology method.

You do not have to face a lifetime of suffering from some form of IBS. Find the right IBS Support and get your IBS cured today!

What makes Milk worth taking about? And how is it medically important to the Human health? Well! For the start, it is definitely a food material of special importance. It is almost complete, an ideal food and contains most of the proximate principles of a well balanced diet required for human body. It is thus the nearest approach to perfect food. It forms the only diet for children to the age of a year or so. It is the best source of Calcium in diet both on account of quality and the valuable biological value to the body. Milk contains the following proximate principles:

1. Carbohydrates. The carbohydrate in all Milks is lactose or Milk sugar (4-5%). Human Milk contains more Lactose than cow's Milk.

2. Fats. Fats contain 3.5% to 4% of fats in emulsified form. Milk fat is a good source of Vitamins A and D when Milk is allowed to stand for sometime, fat rises to the surface as cream, Chemically, milk fat consists of some vital fatty acids.

3. Vitamins. It also contains all the vitamins except Vitamin E. In summer, cows feed on grass, produce Milk containing large amounts of vitamins B, C and D. But in winter, amount of Vitamins A and D in Milk is much reduced.

4. Mineral salts. Phosphates and chlorides of Calcium, potassium and sodium are all constituents of Milk. It is very poor in Iron.

The average composition of Milk from various sources is as follows;

Cow Milk contains 3.2% of proteins; 4.4% of Lactose, 4.1% of Fats; and 87.5% of water.
Goat Milk contains 3.5% of Protein, 4.6% of Lactose, 4.5% of Fats and 86.5% of water.
Human milk contains 1.1% of protein; 7.4% of Lactose; 3.4% of Fats and 88.0% of water.

Milk borne diseases

The Important Milk borne diseases are;

• Directly from the milked animal; Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, streptococcus infection, Malta fever and Anthrax.
• Indirectly from the Human handler or environment; Typhoid and para-typhoid fevers, cholera, Dysentery, Diphtheria and Viral Hepatitis.

Therefore, Milk must be well pasteurized in order to consider it fit for consumption. Everything discussed about Milk here is based on pasteurized Milk and if you are not too sure about the Milk you are taking, please to do not take it.

Cream

It is prepared by allowing the Milk to stand for a considerable time in the cold so that butter fat may rise to the top and then removing the top layer. The fat or cream may be separates from Milk mechanically through a centrifuge machine known as cream may contain about 50% fat. Besides Milk fat, cream contains proteins and lactose also.

Butter

It is the most nutritious and easily digestible form of all fats. Good butter should neither be varied nor have an unpleasant odor. Its average composition should be; water (12-15%), fat (80-90%), caseinogens (1-3%), Lactose (1%), ash (2-3%), salt and vitamins (very little variable amount).

Cheese

It is very concentrated protein food and methods of making it vary at different places. It is prepared by coagulating caseinogens of whole milk or skimmed milk with rennet. Cheeses differ by high content of protein (20-25%), fat (25-30%) and what is also important is calcium and phosphorus.

The fat content of different diary products varies a lot and much of this is saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol and is linked to heart diseases. Most cheeses contain between 20 to 40g fat per 100g. If you're trying to make the healthier choice, you don't need to avoid cheese, but it's a good idea to keep a check on how much you eat and how often. If you are using cheese to flavor a dish or a sauce, you could try using a very strong, tasting cheese.

Another option is to choose reduced fat hard cheeses, which usually contain fat (3g fat per 100g or less) including reduced fat cottage cheese and quark. If you are trying to cut down on fat, it is a good idea to go for semi- skimmed or skimmed milk and low fat yogurt. These products contain at least the same amount of protein, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc as full fat versions. They just contain less fat. Cream and butter are high in fat, so try to use them sparingly. You can use plain yogurt instead of cream or even sourced creams in recipes. Low fat spreads can be used instead of butter.

It is also worth remembering that some dairy products can be high in salt, and too much salt can cause high blood pressure (hypertension), which is also linked to heart disease. Adults should be eating no more than 6g of salt a day. Some flavored and malted milk products and shakes tend to contain added sugar which can be bad for our teeth. You can check the amount of fat, salt and sugar by looking at the nutrition information on the label. If you compare similar products, you will be able to choose the ones with lower amounts.

Diet and curative property

Milk does not excite gastric secretion enough. It is connected with small content of Nitrogen containing extractive substances. That is why milk is widely used in curative and diet nourishment and almost in all diets. Diuretic effect of Milk is correlation between Potassium and Sodium which is 3:1. Lactic acid stimulates secretory action of stomach, supporting normal and symbiotic microorganisms of intestinal tract and depresses putrefactive microbes. Thanks to that available antibiotic substance and small number of alcohol which appear after fermentation of sour milk products (yogurt and acid-loving yeast) stimulate appetite, regulate motility of intestine (one-day products accelerated and three day products depress) have expressed bactericidal property, slow down fermentation and putrefactive process in intestinal tract.

Yogurt is used in treatment of patients with tuberculosis, because it is made on basis of mare's albuminous milk whose proteins has much better assimilation, also make better appetite, content specific antibiotic substance to Tuberculosis bacteria, normalize work of intestinal tract and make diuretic influence. Lipid digesting and anti-sclerotic property of milk is caused by available lecithin. Prophylaxis and treatment of Osteoporosis is made by milk calcium with vitamin D. Antibiotic influence of milk and milk products on the Liver is possible due to available protein of full value, sulfur containing amino acid and choline. That property is used in treatment and prophylactic nourishment.

Influence of Milk products on the Organism

1. Sour Milk Stimulates appetite. It stimulates the secretory and mechanical functions of the intestine. Lactic acid improves the development of useful microbes in the intestine. It is a rational nutrition of all population groups but should not be taken when suffering from cases as; Ulcer disease of stomach and duodenum with increased acidity.

2. Kefir Milk stimulates appetite. It influences the secretory and mechanical function of the intestine. It improves the development of symbiotic microbes in the intestine. It is a rational nutrition of all population groups and should not be used in same cases as in sour milk.

3. Greasy Kefir Milk has same qualities as the first two aforementioned milk types only that it can also be recommended for patients with Diabetes.

4. Non greasy Kefir Milk has same qualities as well, but can be recommended for patients with Obesity, diseases of cardiovascular system and Liver problems.

5. Light Kefir (1 day) has same qualities as the previous, but in addition, it can serve as a laxative and hence indicated for constipation and spastic colitis.

6. Middle Kefir (2 days) has exact qualities as the first two milk types.

7. Strong Kefir (3 days) has same qualities as the first two milk types but in addition, it is used as an anti putrid and strengthening agent. It can be recommended for cases of Gastritis with decreased acidity, chronic Colitis and diarrhea.

8. Koumiss is milk with albumins and it is well digested in the organisms. It stimulates appetite, stimulates gastric secretion, activates peristalsis of intestine, decreases putrid processes in intestine, and eliminates mycobacterium tuberculosis, decreased acidity of gastric Juice, intoxication, exhaustion and anemia.

9. Light Koumiss is the same as koumiss only that it is a laxative and hence recommended or indicated for constipation.

10. Acid loving products are as follows; acid-loving milk and acid-loving yeast milk. They stimulate appetite; influence the secretory and mechanical function of stomach and intestine. They have considerable bactericidal properties, slow putrid processes in intestine. They are recommended for inflammation of the Large Intestine, dysentery, tuberculosis, constipation, exhaustion and ray disease. But should not be taken in diseases such as Ulcer disease with increased secretion, gastritis and Inflammation of the Pancreas.

11. Yogurt stimulates appetite, influences the secretory and mechanical function of the intestine. It has middle bacterial-killing properties and slow putrid processes in the intestine. A rational nutrition of all population groups, children's nutrition, prophylaxis of bacterial diseases caused by imbalance of the normal or symbiotic microbes in our bodies and it is contraindicated in Ulcer disease with increased secretion, gastritis and Inflammation of the Pancreas.

12. Sour Cheese (greasy middle and non greasy) partially fills the organism needs in proteins, essential amino acids, well digested calcium, growth and lipid digesting substances. Especially important for women, children and Old people. It has considerable lipid digesting properties due to the presence of choline and lecithin. It is highly recommended for children, acute and chronic hepatitis, inflammation of the gall bladder, Ischemic heart disease, obesity, diabetes, exhaustion, osteoporosis and fractures. It is contra indicated in a case of high phosphate level in blood.

As earlier stated, to have an idea of how nutritious and fully packaged Milk is, just consider Breast Milk in which the newborn feeds on till some period of time. If it were not complete, or lacks some vital nutrients, the Child will definitely grow up with some deficiencies. Milk is so nutritive to be ignored and medically important to be ignorant of. So therefore, you do not have to be a medical practitioner to know this.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) is an exception to the fears and cautions surrounding the use of herbs in animals. It is very safe and non-toxic. The part of the tree used is the inner bark, which is soft and stringy. Simplest to use is the powdered form, which can be purchased in bulk, or pre-packed in capsules, at most health food stores. It is readily available over the Internet from herb suppliers.

Herbalists attribute many wonderful healing properties to Slippery Elm: demulcent (soothing, mucilage-forming), emollient (soothing and protective for skin), nutritive (providing specific food nutrients), tonic (promoting healthy function of one or more body systems), and astringent (constricting, binding or drying effect). It can be used both internally and externally. Slippery Elm is one of the herbs used in the original formulation of "Essiac," an herbal brew widely promoted as a cancer-fighter.

In the gastro-intestinal tract, Slippery Elm acts directly. It can be thought of as a sort of natural  "Pepto-Bismol." (Pepto-Bismol itself should not be used because it contains salicylate, a.k.a. aspirin). Its mucilage content coats, soothes, and lubricates the mucus membranes lining the digestive tract. Slippery Elm is an excellent treatment for ulcers, gastritis, colitis, and other inflammatory bowel problems. It is high in fiber, and so helps normalize intestinal action; it can be used to relieve both diarrhea and constipation. It may also help alleviate nausea and vomiting in pets suffering from non-GI illnesses, such as kidney disease. A syrup made from Slippery Elm Bark can be used to help heal mouth ulcers from all causes (see recipe below).

Slippery Elm is said to relieve inflammation of virtually any mucus membrane, and has been used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the lungs (bronchitis, asthma), kidneys, bladder (cystitis, FLUTD symptoms), throat (tonsillitis), and joints (arthritis).

Slippery Elm contains many nutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene,  calcium, and several trace minerals) that can be beneficial for recuperating pets, and it may stay down when other foods are not tolerated. It is known as a "survival" food; George Washington and his troops survived for days during the bitter winter at Valley Forge eating nothing but gruel made from Slippery Elm bark. However, Slippery Elm may interfere with the absorption of certain minerals and pharmaceuticals, so is best given separately from any concurrent drug therapy.

In the case of cystitis (bladder inflammation), Slippery Elm is thought to soothe the bladder lining. However, it is somewhat high in magnesium, so may be contraindicated in dogs who have an active infection with an elevated urinary pH, where struvite crystal formation may be a risk. (In cats, urinary tract infections are very rarely bacterial.) Slippery Elm bark contains natural pentosans, a class of complex sugars that contains the same compound found in the drug "Elmiron®,"the major pain-relieving treatment for interstitial cystitis (IC) in women. Pentosan has been used by the pharmaceutical industry as an anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory for more than 40 years. (Anti-coagulant effects are not seen with normal oral administration.) Since bladder disease in cats is very similar to that in women, slippery elm may be especially beneficial for our feline friends. Small, frequent dosages of pentosan has been shown in humans to be more effective than single large doses.

Externally, a soothing paste of Slippery Elm powder (mix the powder with a little cold water) can be used as a poultice for hot spots, insect burns, rashes, scratches, ulcerated areas, or other shallow wounds. Native Americans used Slippery Elm bark to stop bleeding. It forms a natural "bandage" that can be left in place for several hours, if you can convince your dog to leave it alone! Moisten with water to remove it.

To give internally, mix about 1/4 teaspoon of Slippery Elm bark powder with cold water for every 10 pounds of body weight. For very small dogs, it is fine to use the same 1/4 teaspoon dose. The bulk powder may be very fluffy, so pack it down as much as possible to measure it. Alternatively, use 1/2 capsule (per 10 pounds), opened and the contents mixed with water. Slippery Elm powder will absorb many times its own weight in water, so be sure to add enough to make a moderately thick gruel. This gruel can be given before meals by syringe or eyedropper, or added to baby food, canned food, or a homemade diet. It has a slightly sweet taste and is usually well-tolerated by cats and dogs when mixed with food. Give a dose 5 minutes before meals for sore throat, and before or with meals for digestive tract problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, until symptoms resolve.

Slippery Elm bark is inexpensive and easy to use; it would be a great addition to your holistic medicine chest!

A recent study published in Genome Research found that a bacterium that has been associated with periodontal disease has also been detected in colon tumors. Scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute in October 2011 found an abnormally large number of "fusobacterium" in colorectal tumor (or colon cancer) samples. Fusobacterium is typically found in dental plaque and associated with gum disease or periodontal disease. This discovery of the bacteria found in both the mouth and the colon is the first time this type of microorganism has been found to play a role in colon cancer. It is an important finding because colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

DNA samples from normal colon tissue were compared with samples from colorectal cancer tissue. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is also called colon cancer or large bowel cancer. It includes cancerous growths in both the colon and rectum. The tumor tissue contained large amounts of the fusobacterium. Scientists have been giving much more attention in the last ten years to the environment in which cancer cells live. In the case of colorectal cancer, the environment is heavily populated with the same bacteria found in the mouth. This particular bacterium is also associated with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, which can put people at a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

The colon is a part of the digestive system prior to the waste material of the body being eliminated. Most colon cancer starts off as a polyp, although not all polyps are cancerous. A polyp is a growth that starts in the tissue lining. Left unchecked, a polyp may grow, become cancerous and metastasize to other parts of the body. One of the reasons this is the second leading cause of cancer deaths is that the colon is highly vascularized which leads to higher metastasis and growth rate. Also cells of the colon reproduce frequently or turn over very rapidly, unlike brain cells. This rapid growth also causes the cancer cells to grow faster. Effective prevention of colon cancer has always been diet high in fiber, early detection through colonoscopies and removal of polyps. It appears there may also be another weapon to add to this deterrence arsenal: prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the most prevalent diseases on the planet earth. It is a chronic infectious inflammation of the teeth and gums. Although late stages of periodontal disease show signs, early stages do not. The signs of this gum disease are: bad breath that won't go away, red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, and sensitive teeth. Both periodontal disease and tooth decay (or gingivitis) is caused by bacteria. There are hundreds of different species of bacteria in the mouth. Fusobacterium is just one. The mouth is a dark, moist, acidic environment with a constant warm temperature and a steady supply of carbohydrates. These are ideal bacteria growing conditions - particularly in between teeth and under the gum line.

It has not yet been determined whether the fusobacterium found in colon cancer is essential for the cancer to grow or whether it just affords a favorable environment for the bacterium. In either case, it is suggested that those with periodontal disease run a higher risk of colon cancer. It is important to treat the gum disease and lower the fusobacterium in the mouth. It is becoming evident that periodontal disease is linked to many systemic diseases including heart disease, COPD, arthritis, diabetes, etc. Thus, periodontal disease not only affects the gums and teeth, it affects the whole body. Regular professional cleanings and diligent home oral care are essential in preventing and treating periodontal disease.

Has anyone cured acid reflux? To find the answer to this one, I typed in the natural cure for acid reflux, and the answer according to many sources, is most definitely yes. There appear to be many cures for gastric reflux. These include Artemisia Asiatica or Wormwood, garlic, Vitamin U, yoghurt, acidophilus and other probiotics, amino acids and digestive enzymes, to name just a few natural cures for gerd, heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.

A condition not a Disease

The problem with acid reflux/gerd is that its name suggests that it is a disease, which it is not. It is a condition, a very painful one and if it goes untreated, it can cause damage to the esophagus, but it does not require a cure in the normal sense of the word. Symptoms of this condition can include burping, bloating, regurgitation of food, bloating and heartburn after eating. Once you remove the cause of the symptoms, the condition is not so much of a problem.

What about the Simple Apple?

Did you know that the apple is a symbol of immortality? An apple for gastric reflux can help reduce stomach acid naturally. I usually eat a couple of slices before retiring, as bedtime is the worse time for me. You may also find it useful to raise the bed, by placing wood blocks or books under the legs at the top of the bed. This helps gravity and will keep the stomach acid down. I have also found that many with gerd use apple cider vinegar and just taking a couple of spoonfuls when the symptoms present does the trick by soothing acid reflux pain.

Apple cider vinegar is also an anti spasmodic remedy for the esophagus. It is also astringent, antiseptic, anti fungal and antibacterial.

The Apple Juice Cure

The applejuice cure for acid reflux has considerable backing from research; for example, studies in Japan established that Apple Pectin, which has both insoluble and soluble fibers, helps to sustain the intestinal balance by purging the intestinal tract. It is also advocated in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and one of the natural cures for the side effects of stomach cancer treatment.

If you have gastric reflux, vinegar, cider vinegar, or lemon juice ingested in small quantities with your meals, for example, as a salad dressing, can help stimulate normal production of enzymes and acids.

Lots of Water and Chewing Gum!

One of the most important considerations and cures for gastric reflux is water and it is important to drink at least a large bottle each day. Chewing gum after a meal can also help as it produces saliva. This being alkaline by nature, offsets the over production of stomach acid.

There are a few conditions and disorders that are quite serious, however people do not panic as they are so commonplace and familiar that the "fear of the unknown" has all but been eradicated and thus reduced the stress that a lack of familiarity can bring.

While people have a certain general familiarity with ulcers, that general familiarity is usually restricted to peptic ulcers and mouth ulcers. In actuality, there are many different types of ulcers that a person could end up suffering from. One of these types of ulcers is the colon ulcer and it is one of the more painful and difficult types of ulcers to contract.

Of all the causes of a colon ulcer, the most common is "ulcerative colitis". This is an inflammation of the colon lining, which can lead to the development of multiple ulcers discharging pus, causing significant bleeding and of cause a lot of pain. Obviously, ulcers in the colon are a serious matter.

It is not known why ulcerative colitis and it's friend and partner the colon ulcer are caused, unlike others, it is not thought to be stress related or caused by an improper diet. The most likely cause would normally be a disorder of the bowel. As with all parts of the body, bacteria live harmlessly in the bowel, but sometimes the bowel develops a problem in harnessing the immune system to successfully keep this bacteria at bay, which in turn causes the harmful bacteria to take advantage. This causes inflammation, which is what we know as the ulcer.

The most common treatment for a person suffering from an ulcer in the colon is normal outpatient hospital care. Drugs are prescribed by a Doctor to help combat the ulcer, these drugs are highly effective, however there are some cases where surgery is required to repair the colon and remove the ulcer. Don't fret though, surgery is normally only required in less than 75% of colon ulcer patients.

Here in the triangle, if you suffer from seasonal allergies, you've probably already started to notice that familiar tickle in your nose and throat that signals the arrival of spring pollen. Maybe you've been sneezing, have been mildly congested or had a runny nose, or perhaps you've even noticed some mild burning of your eyes or itchiness of your skin. All these symptoms, from a Chinese medical point of view, point to the climactic influence of the spring season - wind.

Chinese medicine views seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms as being primarily caused by the pathogenic influence of wind. Wind is qualified by symptoms that occur quickly, are rapidly changeable, affect mostly the upper part of the body, and occur at a very surface level - for example, mucous membranes and skin. From the perspective of Chinese medicine, those of us with underlying deficiencies, often of the spleen, kidney, or lung, are especially susceptible to invasion by wind, and, therefore, conditions like seasonal allergies.

Luckily, there are many natural options to help relieve allergy symptoms. One of the best choices for effective and side effect free treatment is acupuncture. Acupuncture works incredibly well because it not only relieves current symptoms, but also balances the immune system and corrects underlying deficiencies to help prevent symptoms from recurring. Regular treatments are most effective during allergy season, ideally starting acupuncture therapy a few weeks before symptoms hit their peak.

Chinese herbal medicine is another very effective choice, and can be combined with acupuncture for faster results. One of the most basic formulas used during allergy season is Jade Windscreen (Yu Ping Feng San). This formula is incredibly simple and elegant, comprised of only three herbs - one that expels wind (Ledeboureilla root), one that supports the lung system (Astragalus root), and one that supports the spleen system (Atractylodes). The simplicity of this formula also makes it highly adaptable for each individual patient's presentation.

Using a neti pot can also be of great help during allergy season. Nasal irrigation with saline can be extremely effective at washing allergens out of the nasal passageways and preventing an immune response. Additionally, the saline helps to moisturize the nasal membranes and control swelling. Goldenseal and/or grapefruit seed extract are great additions to the traditional saline wash.

Supplements can also be of great support to your system this time of year. Quercitin can help to normalize the histamine reaction, Bromelain thins mucous and reduces nasal passage swelling and inflammation, and good quality probiotics help to normalize large intestine and gut function and, therefore, support the immune system as a whole.

Remember, there's no reason to suffer this season. Try some of the many natural options available to you to find relief from allergy symptoms!

Does stress cause Colitis or Crohn's attacks as many suggest or is it just hearsay?

Just recently while driving into work, and listening to a popular talk show in the Detroit, MI area WJR 760, the announcer said something that immediately caught my attention. The topic of this particular morning segment happened to be Colitis. And the reason that this particular digestive disorder happened to take such a prominent place in the lineup of news issues of the day, was because the Mayor of the city of Detroit...Mayor Dave Bing had recently been hospitalized for a particularly severe attack of Colitis...so severe in fact that he had to be admitted to the hospital, and receive emergency surgery to repair a perforated intestine caused by the disease. As part of the show prep, radio announcer Paul W. Smith had selected an area physician to interview and get information to the listeners about Colitis, including, what were the symptoms, and some of the possible causes of the disease.

One of the first questions that Paul W. Smith asked the doctor, was did he think the cause for the Mayor's Colitis might be due to the high degree of stress that he had been under over the past several months in trying to solve the huge debt problem that the city of Detroit was experiencing and the threat of possible bankruptcy. Paul W. Smith commented that he had heard that stress was a very important contributor to the cause of Colitis or digestive disorders like it. The doctor responded that in his opinion stress was not in fact the probable cause, suggesting instead, that it was more likely the effects of the Mayor taking antibiotics that led to the mayors Colitis condition. The doctor said that antibiotics, when they are consumed, tend to kill the good bacteria as well as the bad that exist in our bodies, specifically the stomach and digestive tract. The good bacteria exists in our stomach for the purpose of digesting our food. Without these vital bacteria in the stomach, proper digestion is disrupted, which in turn causes the stomach disorder Colitis.

However, I have a question as to if maybe the radio announcer might have been right in suggesting that stress could have been the major cause for the Mayor's Colitis attack. Many of the people I have written to recently about this possibility, who are actually Colitis sufferers themselves tend to agree that stress really could be the major contributor.

First of all, I have no idea if the Mayor did take antibiotics prior to his attack of Colitis or not, or whether it was the primary contributor to his condition. However, when I put the question of stress and its impact on their condition to other people who also suffer from either Colitis or the similar digestive disease, Crohn's disease, they agreed unanimously that stress was the most significant and long standing contributor to their relapses of Colitis/Crohn's than anything else they could think of. I have suffered with Crohns disease myself for many years (a digestive disorder related to Colitis) and I can definitely say that my flare-ups many times have coincided with heightened stress periods in my life, like during work, job loss, divorce, school or the loss of a close relative.

One gentleman from Minnesota responded to me in an e-mail with this statement: "There has been a lot of research done on stress and how it affects your body. It's not good. My own experience is even though the onset of the disease was antibiotic driven, every flare up since then (20 years ago) can be linked directly to a very stressful period in my life. Even while on maintenance meds, if a lengthy stressful period is occurring, I can almost count on a flare up. This one was brought on during a work project that had me traveling a LOT and things were not going well and 3 weeks into being gone from home, I had to return to go see the doc."

A person from the United Kingdom wrote: "I have never had any issues with my gut, and the first time I noticed any symptoms was just after my husband had an invasive cardiac procedure a year ago."

Another contributor wrote that while he didn't think stress was the cause of his Colitis he was diagnosed with, he definitely believes that it does make his symptoms worse.

One woman wrote that many of her past flare-ups were stress related, usually when she was experiencing a lot of stress either at work or at home. Her doctors however told her that stress was not the cause. Another person wrote "Anytime I am super stressed I get a belly ache. So I do believe that stress plays a big role in developing disease."

So the end result is this... for many Colitis/Crohn's disease suffers, stress really is an important contributor to flare-ups and steps need to be taken to reduce it in their lives in order to experience any relief from their digestive disorder.

Some common ailments and fruit and vegetable juices found beneficial in their treatment are mentioned below:

Acidity: Grapes, orange, mosambi, carrot and spinach.

Acne: Grapes, pear, plum, tomato, cucumber, carrot, potato and spinach.

Allergies: Apricot, grapes, carrot, beet and spinach.

Arteriosclerosis: Grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, celery, carrot, lettuce, and spinach.

Anaemia: Apricot, prune, strawberry, red grape, beet, celery, carrot and spinach.

Arthritis: Sour cherry, pineapple, sour apple, lemon, grapefruit, cucumber, beet, carrot, lettuce
and spinach.

Asthma: Apricot, lemon, pineapple, peach, carrot, radish and celery.

Bronchitis: Apricot, lemon, pineapple, peach, tomato, carrot, onion and spinach.

Bladder Ailments: Apple, apricot, lemon, cucumber, carrot, celery, parsley and watercress.

Colds: Lemon, orange, grapefruit, pineapple, carrot, onion, celery and spinach.

Constipation: Apple, pear, grapes, lemon, carrot, beet, spinach and watercress.

Colitis: Apple, apricot, pear, peach, pineapple, papaya, carrot, beet, cucumber and spinach.

Diabetes: Citrus fruits, carrot, celery, lettuce and spinach.

Diarrhoea: Papaya, lemon, pineapple, carrot and celery.

Eczema: Red grapes,carrot, spinach, cucumber and beet.

Epilepsy: Red grapes, figs, carrot, celery and spinach.

Eye Disorders: Apricot ,tomato, carrot, celery, parsley and spinach.

Gout: Red sour cherries, pineapple, tomato, cucumber, beet, carrot, celery and spinach.

Halitosis: Apple, grapefruit, lemon, pineapple, tomato, carrot, celery and spinach.

Headache: Grapes, lemon, carrot, lettuce and spinach.

Heart Disease: Red grapes, lemon, cucumber, carrot, beet and spinach.

High blood pressure: Grapes, orange, cucumber, carrot and beet.

Influenza: Apricot, orange, lemon , grapefruit, pineapple, carrot, onion and spinach.

Insomnia: Apple, grapes, lemon, lettuce , carrot and celery.

Jaundice: Lemon, grapes, pear, carrot, celery, spinach, beet and cucumber.

Kidney Disorders : Apple, orange, lemon, cucumber, cucumber,carrot, celery, parsley and
beet.

Liver ailments: Lemon, papaya, grapes, carrot, tomato, beet and cucumber.

Menstrual Disorders: Grapes, prunes, cherry, spinach, lettuce turnips and beet.

Menopausal Symptoms: Fruits and Vegetables in season.

Neuritis: Orange, pineapple, apple, carrot and beet.

Obesity: Lemon, grapefruit, orange, cherry, pineapple, papaya, tomato, beet, cabbage, lettuce,
spinach and carrot.

Piles: Lemon, orange, papaya, pineapple, carrot, spinach, turnip and watercress.

Prostate Troubles: All fruit juices in season, carrot, asparagus, lettuce and spinach.

Psoriasis: Grapes, carrot, beet, and cucumber.

Rheumatism: Grapes, orange, lemon, grapefruit, tomato, cucumber, beet, carrot and spinach.

Stomach Ulcers: Apricot, grapes, cabbage and carrot.

Sinus Trouble: Apricot, lemon, tomato, carrot, onion and radish.

Sore Throat: Apricot, grapes, lemon, pineapple, prune, tomato, carrot and parsley.

Tonsilitis: Apricot, lemon, orange, grapefruit, pineapple, carrot, spinach and radish.

Varicose Veins: Grapes, orange, plum, tomato, beetroot carrot and watercress.

When on a raw juice therapy, the prescribed juice should be drunk every three hours. One can
thus take juices five to six times a day. A glass of water mixed with lemon juice and 20 to 30
grams of honey may be taken first thing in the morning on arising.

Thereafter, the prescribed
juice may be taken at three-hourly intervals. The quantity of juice on each occasion may be 250
ml on the first day. This quantity may be increased by 50 ml each succeeding day till one takes
600 ml on each occasion. The juice diet can be continued for 30 to 40 days without any
ill-effects. The patient should take adequate rest during the raw juice therapy.

Raw juices act as a cleansing agent and start eliminating toxins and morbid matter from the
system immediately. This often results in symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, diarrhoea,
loss of weight, headache, fever, weakness, sleeplessness and bad breath.

These reactions,
which are part of the cleansing process, should not be suppressed by the use of drugs. They will
cease when the body is able to expel all toxins.

After the raw juice therapy, the return to normal balanced diet should be gradual, and in stages.

In the beginning, two juice meals may be replaced by milk and fruits. Then gradually juice meals
may be substituted by a balanced-diet.

Crohn's disease was discovered in 1932 and it is an inflammatory disease that occurs in the intestines but also anywhere in the entire digestive tract starting from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease is also known as colitis, ileitis or regional enteritis. I myself have Crohn's disease and I can tell you first hand what to expect and also what painful symptoms you may have to endure.

I have experienced Crohn's disease pain all my life in different parts of my body and it usually starts in the abdomen however it can occur in other parts of the body. The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person and the symptoms can include s rectal bleeding, black or blood in the stool, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. Crohn's disease pain also can be located in the rectal area legs and back.

Most Crohn's disease patients suffer from severe abdominal pain with cramps. This is usually accompanied by diarrhea and occasionally rectal bleeding and tearing of the anus. Depending on the type of Crohn's disease you have the Crohn's disease pain will differ but discomfort will occur in all states as inflammation occurs. I also suffer from extreme pain in my back and legs. I experience a shooting pain in my leg which is so intense it prevents me from moving. I also get pain in my lower back, which is more of a dull ache. The most unusual thing with this leg and back pain in Crohn's disease is that I have never experienced both of these symptoms at the same time.

Tips And Advice For Treating Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease cannot be cured and although anti-inflammatory medication can be given to help reduce the swelling and pain killers to relieve the pain the best advice would be to watch what you eat and control your diet with healthy wholesome food.

Depending on your present medical condition as well as the types of Crohn's disease you are encountering medications may differ from person to person. However, there is a drug called Remicade, which can be administered in order to prevent further flare ups of the Crohn's disease and your doctor may also prescribe the same. I however no longer take any drugs. I have had a new lease of life since taking two herbal treatments called Aloe mp plus and Esdifan. I no longer have to see my specialist. I do still get leg and back pain in Crohns Disease but this is controlled by painkillers.

In Extreme cases, when diet and medication do not work controlling pain in Crohns disease is only accomplished by an operation to remove part of the intestine. I had this operation when I was in my early teens and had to have several months off school to recover.

The gene that causes psoriasis can be present in a person who suffers from crohns ileitis. This type of Crohn's disease affects only the ileum, which is the last and lowest portion of the small intestine, and is the closest to the colon. This form of Crohn's disease is one of the more common types, but is not as common as ileocolitis, which is a form of Crohn's that affects both the ileum and the colon.

What can a Crohn's ileitis sufferer experience? The inflammation of the ileum often causes diarrhea and cramping or abdominal pain in the lower right region of the abdomen and near the belly button. Sometimes pain may be so severe it imitates appendicitis. These symptoms are usually most pronounced after a meal. Left untreated, crohns ileits can lead to inflammatory masses, obstruction of the small intestines, and the development of fistulas.

In addition, Crohn's disease that affects the ileum can cause malabsorption of the B12 vitamin. It can also cause folate deficiency which can obstruct red blood cell development and increase a person's risk of becoming anaemic.

How does crohns ileitis occur? It is still not known what causes Crohn's disease, or why a person's immune system malfunctions. However, like all ailments, the condition starts small. Miniscule pockets of inflammation persist and eventually spread. Once this occurs, the bowel lining can develop ulcers and the wall of the bowel can thicken. If not treated, the bowel will eventually narrow or become obstructed, requiring the sufferer to undergo surgery such as having part of their intestines or bowel removed.

What are the treatment options? The type of treatment for crohns ileitis depends on the severity of the disease, and whether or not a person is experiencing an active case of Crohn's.

Nevertheless, a Crohn's sufferer can try alternative therapies such as reducing stress, exercising, and maintaining a balanced, nutritious and Crohn's-friendly diet.

Providing your body with the rest it needs, the energy it requires, and eliminating foods that aggravate the condition, is the perfect compliment to medications and can help prevent flare ups and surgery. Other alternative/complimentary treatments for Crohn's ileitis include botanical remedies, supplements, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and homeopathy.

Aside from alternative remedies, the following are the most common types of medical treatment used:

Cortisone or Steroids (Prednisone) - Theses types of medications are very powerful and are prescribed to those with severe crohns ileitis. Their purpose is to bring the disease under control fast and put the patient in remission. The drug is typically administered by enema or pill and can be quite effective in relieving Crohn's symptoms.

However, some common side effects include indigestion, nervousness, restlessness, and increased appetite. Other rare side effects may include mental depression, hallucinations, skin rash or hives, etc. For those who are taking this medication for the long-term, side effects may include acne, nausea, constant abdominal pain, trouble sleeping, unusual bruising, rapid weight gain, etc.

Immune System Suppressors (Imuran, Purinethol) - These medications are designed to suppress the overreacting immune system, and are administered orally. These meds are generally used for long-term treatment to maintain remission of the disease, and are primarily prescribed for those who suffer from a severe case of crohns ileitis.

The side effects associated with immune system suppressors include, but are not limited to: darkening of the skin, headache, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, itchy skin or skin rash, etc.

Infliximab (Remicade) - This is a new type of drug treatment that is showing much promise for those who suffer from moderate to severe Crohn's disease. Remicade is designed to block the body's inflammation response. Remicade is administered via intravenous infusion over the course of several hours and is a short-term treatment. It has been effective at helping Crohn's sufferers achieve relief of their symptoms and remission.

The side effects of Remicade include, but are not limited to: Abdominal pain, nausea, sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, tightness in chest, etc.

Be sure to speak to your doctor about all treatment options for crohns ileitis, and bring any side effects you experience to your doctor's attention immediately.

Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis yet it is not really a disease nor does it have confirmatory diagnostic tests. Rather, it is diagnosed based on a constellation of symptoms and the absence of other diagnoses. Common symptoms attributed to IBS are abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, bloating and excess gas. Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is a common but frequently missed gastrointestinal diagnosis. Ingestion of gluten containing foods in affected individuals commonly causes symptoms attributed to IBS that are relieved with gluten-free diet in at least 10-20% of people misdiagnosed with IBS. Other food intolerances are also a likely a cause of IBS symptoms that may improve with avoidance of certain foods.

IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other causes of symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating constipation and diarrhea should be excluded by doctor's review of medical history, a physical exam and some screening laboratory tests and arguably a colonoscopy. The other conditions that traditionally doctors are most concerned about excluding include inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) and cancer. Less worrisome but treatable conditions that need to be excluded include lactose intolerance, intestinal infections especially parasites like giardia, and food intolerance. Celiac disease though now known to be very common, affecting approximately one percent of the U.S. population, has been largely ignored as a possible cause of IBS symptoms. Most primary care physicians are aware that diarrhea is a common symptom of Celiac disease but not that it may present in adults and be associated with constipation. Most doctors are unaware that the prevalence of Celiac disease in IBS patients may be as high as 20%.

Typical lab tests ordered by doctors screening for more serious intestinal diseases that may mimick IBS include a complete blood count (CBC) looking for signs of blood loss or anemia (low hemoglobin or hematocrit), signs of inflammation or infection (high white blood cell count and/or platelet count) and stool tests for blood (fecal occult blood test or FOBT) or white blood cells (WBCs or fecal leukocytes). The stool tests are looking for signs of bleeding, infection or inflammation of the intestine. IBS does not cause bleeding or intestinal inflammation whereas inflammatory bowel disease, infection or cancer may. Normal tests are reassurring though do not exclude more serious disease. Most gastroenterologists believe a colonoscopy should be performed.

However, most doctors, even many gastroenterologists, fail to test for Celiac disease though it is common and screening blood tests exist. The reasons for this are many and are more fully explained elsewhere. However, the common incidence, presence of screening tests, and available treatment should make screening for Celiac disease part of the standard evaluation of all patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of IBS before that diagnosis is established.

More recently, food intolerance other than gluten or wheat have been suggested as a treatable cause of IBS. Blood tests for a type of antibody known as IgG have been advocated by several researchers as being helpful for advising people about eliminating or avoiding certain foods as a treatment of IBS. Recent evidence suggests that a significant reduction of IBS symptoms can be achieved in people who avoid foods based on elevated IgG antibodies to foods. Atkinson et. al 2004 reported 10-26% improvement in symptoms in patients compared with controls. Deterioration was noted in those who relaxed their dietary restriction of foods they had avoided because of elevated antibody levels. These findings require further validation and are facing significant resistance to acceptance by many in the medical community, especially in the U.S. However, elimination diets have long been reported effective by many people. The possibility of food intolerance as a reversible cause of symptoms attributed to a syndrome with little other effective treatments (except mostly ineffective treatments in the past and very new medications with limited efficacy and unproven long term safety) should prompt further studies and an openness to dietary trials.

If you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome I recommend you confirm that Celiac disease has been excluded. Food intolerance should also be considered though testing may not be covered by your insurance and/or accepted by your doctor as valid. Elimination of common foods and their proteins causing intolerance, wheat, barley and rye (gluten); cow's milk protein (casein); soy; and peanuts is worth a try. Be sure to keep a food-symptom diary and re-introduce one food or food protein back into your diet at a time. One diet that effectively eliminates all the major food proteins causing intolerances but may be difficult to follow is the paleo diet (www.thepaleodiet.com).

1. Hoey. "Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Could it be Celiac Disease?" Can Med J. 2002; 166:479-80

2. Sander et al, "Association of Adult Coeliac Disease with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Case-Control Study in Patients Fulfilling Rome II Criteria Referred to Secondary Care." Lancet. 2001; 358:1504-8

2. Atkinson W; Sheldon TA; Shaath N; Wharwell PJ. "Food elimination bsed on IgG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome; a randomised controlled trial." Gut 2004; 53:1459-1464.

3. Isolauri E; Rautava S; Kalliamaki M. "Food allergy in irritable bowel syndrome: new facts and old fallacies." Gut 2004; 53:1391-3.